A Steampunk Smokehouse At The Countess

A new and oh-so-delicious spot has opened up shop at Melville’s 27Boxes. Picture smokehouse cuisine in a steampunk-themed venue and you’ve got The Countess. It’s really a place you’ve got to try out for yourself!

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Melville’s 27Boxes has a new restaurant and, let me tell you, it’s definitely something you have to check out. The double-storey, steampunk-themed smokehouse has me wanting to go back for more already!

I was lucky enough to attend the official launch of The Countess, the newest restaurant to call 27Boxes home. If any of you have been to the super-trendy shopping centre made from shipping containers, you’ll know that most stores are quite small – well, this does not apply to The Countess – it’s huge! The double-storey restaurant felt very welcoming and its steampunk theme had everyone oogling the décor from the get go – they really went all out!

The piano music playing in the background gave the night an awesome ambiance and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was coming from a real live pianist who was perched on the second story and not a CD as I had originally assumed… nice touch!

Everything fits with the theme – from the way the bartenders and waiters are dressed to the industrial tables outside and the leather couches upstairs. You kind of have to see it for yourself.

Anyway, I attended the launch with a friend and we went exploring (yes, the restaurant is big enough for it to be considered exploring) – the upstairs section has a mini shop where you can take home all sorts of preserves and tasty egg-free mayonnaise. If you like what you eat, go upstairs and take a piece of The Countess home with you.

After browsing around, we perched ourselves on a long bench in the outside section, and the food came to us! We got to sample sticky ribs, sliders (those brioche buns are addictive), grilled mielies and more! Everything was presented so beautifully – from the wooden boards that the food was served on to the pink champagne that arrived in a large wine glass with an edible flower floating inside – fab!

After sampling a bit of everything and having our fair share of wine and champagne, my friend and I decided to call it a night. On our way out, we made plans to return as soon as possible – those brioche bun sliders are calling my name! Darlings, be sure to try The Countess out for yourself and you’ll see what I mean.

By Nikki Samakosky

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